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Angels Decline Early Extension for Zach Neto in First Arbitration Year

Outside projections of heavy losses sharpen questions about the club’s direction.

Overview

  • Agent Ryan Hamill says the Angels made no formal long-term offer to Zach Neto as he became arbitration-eligible for the first time.
  • Neto and the team settled at $4.15 million for 2026 after he reached Super Two status, giving him four arbitration years.
  • The 25-year-old shortstop emphasized loyalty and said he would like to stay, while general manager Perry Minasian declined comment.
  • Neto is coming off a 5.1 WAR season with 26 home runs and 26 steals and is regarded as the club’s most impactful position player.
  • He remains under team control through 2029, while Baseball Prospectus projects 95 losses and the offseason spending stayed limited to short, low-cost deals.